River City Cat Clinic

2617 Riverside BlvdSacramento, CA 95818

(916)441-4727

www.rivercitycatclinic.com

VACCINATIONS FOR YOUR CAT

Which Vaccine(s) does my cat need?At River City Cat Clinic, we promote lifestyle/risk based vaccination. Our healthcare team will review your cat's lifestyle to help you determine what is the right vaccination choice for you and your pet. We base our guidelines on the most current AAFP recommendations.

What can I expect after vaccination?Common mild symptoms should self-resolve in about 12-24hrs. If they persist or seem severe, seek medical attention. Symptoms Include: slightly more sleepy reduced appetite low grade fever

What is a vaccine reaction?Vaccine reactions are a more pronounced response by your cat's immune system to vaccination. These can be quite severe and result in death if left untreated. If your cat experiences any of these signs after vaccination, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms Include: sudden onset vomiting/diarrhea difficulty breathing hives unusual swelling-often in the face

I've heard cats can get cancer from vaccines. Is this true?Vaccine-Site Sarcomas can occur at the site of vaccination administration. These are very aggressive tumors. Fortunately, they are rare (estimated 1 in 10,000). The odds of getting the tumor is far less than the risk of catching the disease. The risk of tumor can be lowered with risk-based vaccine selections and with the use of recombinant vaccines. Due to their increased association with tumor development, killed vaccines are not used at our clinic.

My cat is old and doesn't go outside. Does it even need vaccines?The most at-risk group of cats for many viruses are the very young and the very old. We modify the vaccines needed and the frequency based on their age and lifestyle. Unless your cat has a specific medical condition that makes vaccination a true medical risk, it should be vaccinated.

Does Rabies Virus even really exist anymore?Yes! There have been recent reports of bats infected with Rabies in the West Sacramento/Yolo Bypass region and other animals reported with rabies in ElDorado County. Bats, raccoons, and skunks are the largest carriers of the virus in our region. Remember, bats come indoors. There have been reports of indoor-only cats acquiring rabies from bats. This is why we recommend even the most isolated cats still be vaccinated.